Velma Lucille Cotton was born November 23, 1933 in Copiah County, Mississippi to the late Clyde and Minnie Montgomery. Velma was the oldest of thirteen children. She departed this life on June 16, 2021 at her residence.
She was educated in the public schools of Mississippi. At an early age, she confessed Christ and joined the Shady Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend J. H. Hall of Grace, Mississippi. In 1955, she was united in holy matrimony to J.C. Cotton. To this union, four children were born: Linda, Jennifer, and Eugene. After moving to Kansas City, Missouri, she joined the Palestine Baptist Church lead by Rev. Abel and later united with Morning Star Baptist Church lead by Reverend John Modesto Miles where she served on the Usher Board until her death. She was employed by the Unitog Company as a stock room clerk for 33 years, and retired in 1996.
She was preceded in death by her son J.C. Cotton Jr., her parents, three sisters (Lennie Williams, Georgia Mae Smith, Eva Montgomery) and five brothers; Melvin Montgomery, Calvin Montgomery, Robert Earl Montgomery, Willie Earl Montgomery, and Odell Montgomery).
She leaves to cherish her loving memories two daughters (Linda Faye Cotton and Jennifer Cotton) and one son (James Cotton) all of Kansas City, Missouri; one brother (Clyde Montgomery (Yvonne) of Edmond, Oklahoma; three sisters (Wilma Williams (Claude) of Natchez, Mississippi, Ardell McNutt (John) of Leesville, Louisiana, Minnie Marshall (Reverend Marshall) of Pascagoula, Mississippi; four grandchildren (Antoine Cotton, Anthony Dozier, Aaron Dozier, Ronald Harris) and five great grandchildren (DeShawn Barr-Cotton, Aaron Dozier, Jr., Jayden Harris, Taviana Harris and Anthony Dozier, Jr.); sister-in laws, Jello Montgomery of Greenville, Mississippi, Bonnie Montgomery of Chicago, Illinois and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was a great cook and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and watching the Kansas City Chiefs football team. Velma was a central presence at all family gatherings.
Service 11:00am Friday June 25, 2021 at the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ, 2411 E 27th St. Kansas City, Missouri. Interment following in Forest Hill & Calvary Cemetery, 6901 Troost, Kansas City, Missouri 64127. The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00pm at McGilley & Sheil Chapel, 11924 E 47th St., Kansas City, Missouri 64133.
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